The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Welsh Language Scheme The Welsh Language Commissioner s Response to the Annual Monitoring Report

Transcription

1 The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Welsh Language Scheme The Welsh Language Commissioner s Response to the Annual Monitoring Report

2 1 Baseline Information 1 2 Standard Statement Annual Monitoring Reports 2 3 Comments on performance 2 Progress in implementing the Scheme 2 Scheme Effectiveness 2 4 Summary 3

3 1 Baseline Information Baseline Information Further comment Approval Date of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority s Welsh Language Scheme Senior Officer responsible for the implementation of the Welsh Language Scheme Anticipated date of receipt of Annual Monitoring Report 22/07/12 Garry Cairns 29/06/12 Report received 29/06/12 2 Standard Statement 2.1 The main aim of the Welsh Language Commissioner (Commissioner) is to promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh Language. This is done by highlighting the fact that the Welsh language has official status in Wales and by imposing standards on organizations. This, in turn, will lead to the establishment of rights for Welsh speakers Two principles underpin the work of the Commissioner: The Welsh language shall not be treated less favourably than English in Wales Persons in Wales should be able to live their lives through the medium of Welsh if they wish to do so Over time, new powers to impose and enforce standards on organizations will come into force through subordinate legislation. Until that time the Commissioner will continue to monitor statutory language schemes by virtue of powers inherited under the Welsh Language Act The Welsh Language Commissioner may investigate failure to implement a language scheme; allegations of interference with an individual's freedom to use the Welsh language in Wales, and, in future, complaints regarding the failure of organizations to comply with standards. 01/03

4 2.1.4 The Welsh Language Commissioner will be able to regulate organizations robustly and consistently by means of standards, and may decide to impose a civil penalty on an organization if it does not comply with a relevant requirement. 2.2 Annual Monitoring Reports Language Schemes contain a commitment to prepare and submit a monitoring report on an annual basis. To all intents and purposes, an Annual Monitoring Report is a self-assessment exercise. In responding to them, the Welsh Language Commissioner will expect organizations to testify that they are complying with their language schemes In the context of language schemes, the Commissioner s practice will be to highlight risks and influence performance with a view to avoiding failure All responses to annual monitoring reports will be published with a view to ensuring transparency and ease of access to information on performance. 3 Comments on performance Progress in implementing the Scheme Comments on performance Page 2 In respect of the Annual Monitoring Report for , the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority will need to adopt the new method of submitting a report based on quantitative information and performance indicators. Implementation requirements Welsh Language Commissioner officers will contact the Authority to introduce the new reporting method. The Authority will need to adopt the new format in respect of the Monitoring Report for Scheme Effectiveness Comments on performance Implementation requirements 02/03

5 Page 4 It is noted in the report that the Authority does not promote services directly to victims of violent crimes (except through the website). The report notes that victims are informed of the services available via the police or through the local Victim Support office. The Monitoring Report for should note the steps the Authority has taken to ensure that police forces and Victim Support offices inform the public that the Authority's services are available in Welsh. 4 Summary Further information required The steps the Authority has taken to ensure that police forces and Victim Support offices inform the public that the Authority's services are available in Welsh. Welsh Language Commissioner officers will contact the Authority to introduce the new monitoring regime. The Authority should include this information in the Annual Monitoring Report for The new monitoring regime to be in place in respect of the Annual Monitoring Report for /03